Hussaini Research Group

Research

Our group is interested in the development
of selective C-C bond forming
methods and the use of these methods in the synthesis of bioactive
compounds. We are also interested in the application of our methods in
domino sequences.

Presently, we are investigating:

Efficinet methods for the preparation of enaminones

Eanantioselective synthesis of anti-smoking agents

Preparation
of Enaminones:

Enaminones
have long been used as synthetic intermediates in organic
synthesis. They can react with electron rich as well as electron
deficient compounds. Therefore, the developemnt of methods that can
provide access to a broad range of enaminones is valuable. We have
developed ruthenium and copper-catalyzed methods that couples diazocarbonyl
compounds and thioamides. The reactions are successful with variuos Ru(II) catalysts and copper (I) catalysts.1-3 We
are in the process of using this transformation in in conjunction with
epoixidation reaction to prepare epoxy enaminones in a one-pot sequence.

The Esehenmosercoupling
reaction condenses a thioamide and an alpha-halocarbonyl compound to
give enaminones. We have recently developed sonication accelerated
version of the Eschenmoser coupling reaction. Reaction conditions have
reduced the time for the completion of reaction from days to hours.4 Presently, efforts are underway to further reduce the time of reaction into minutes by manipulating the reaction conditions.

Enantioselective synthesis of
anti-smoking agents:

Smoking
is a leading cause of preventable deaths. An effective and safe smoking
cessation agent can drastically reduce this loss. Currently available
anti-smoking drugs have limited efficacy and high relapse rates. This
is
why we are conducting an investigation to find more effective
agents.

Research is underway to develop an enantioselective method for the synthesis of compounds that will have
the required structural features that can allow them to bind to the
a4b2 receptors. These receptors are considered to be responsible for
nicotine addiction.

Self-Healing Polymers:

In collaboration with Dr. Michael Keller
of The University of Tulsa, we are working in the area of self-healing
polymers. We prepare compounds with specific funcational groups that
are then tested for self-healing propertise.

Electrosynthesis:

Electrosynthetic
methods tend to be clean, versatile and atom economical. We are
initiating projects that will allow regioselective funcationalization
of heterocycles via electrosynthesis.

Diels-Alder reactions between electronically mismatched partners:

When
both the diene and dienophiles are electron-rich, the Diels-Alder
reaction requires harsh or specialized conditions/catalysts. We are
investigating earth-abundant materials to catalyze such a reaction.